Before you Adopt

Before you adopt, it’s always a good idea to do your research and find out more about the tendencies and personality traits of dogs and cats that interest you. While every animal is an individual, there are general breed characteristics that influence how that animal may behave. You should also consider the age, size, exercise requirements, grooming needs and potential health concerns of each breed or breed mix.

The goal of the Sacramento SPCA’s adoption program is to find out more about your needs and ideals and to provide assistance in choosing an animal that is right for you and your lifestyle. Combining your research with our resources will help ensure that you have the best possible start with your new companion.

If you are like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. Pets give us unconditional love and loyalty, and provide constant companionship. Adopting a pet, however, is a big decision. Dogs, cats and small animals are living beings that require a considerable amount of time, money and commitment — over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt.

Which is right for you?

Few people can resist the face of a puppy or kitten, and often assume they must start with a baby animal when choosing a pet. Unfortunately, animal shelters often see these adorable animals returned when they are less than one year-old because well-meaning adopters did not account for the time and energy required to raise a puppy, or the kitten was more than they bargained for. Most of these adopters could have been more successful with an adult dog or cat that required less effort.

Each breed is descended from a limited number of dogs. Because breeders have sought to create animals that have certain fixed attributes, many purebred dogs today are inbred. Genetically this means that, while all purebreds do not have significant health problems, they are predisposed to a range of hereditary and congenital diseases, including skin and eye conditions, allergies, various cancers, cardiac problems, and abnormalities in the kidneys and other organs.